ELECTRON DRIFT MOTION IN THESPACECRAFT PHOTO SHEATH OFMAGNETIZED PLASMA

By using one second order drift approximation theory, we for the first time studythe drift motion of electrons in the photo sheath of spacecraft in a magnetizedplasma, and the structure of the magnetic bottle in the photo sheath. Resultsshow that the stronger the magnetic field, the weaker the electric potential of thespacecraft and the smaller the cross section of the magnetic bottle in the infinityis. In the photo sheath, the electric potential barrier has an important influence onthe current collection of the spacecraft.